FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM UH senior setter Margaret Vakasausau participated in the Wahine's first practice of the season yesterday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Wahine starting
with full camp

Things are quite different
from last year, when they were
scrambling for players

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By Grace Wen
gwen@starbulletin.com

When the Hawaii volleyball team started fall practice a year ago, there weren't enough bodies on the court for two teams.

Yesterday it was a full roster of 15, and none of the coaching staff had to fill in any empty spots.

Two freshmen, a transfer, a few walk-ons and the return of an All-American outside hitter made for a full gym, and no one was complaining.

"They're so many different faces, so much good energy," All-American Lily Kahumoku said. "It's very refreshing. There's a lot of positive vibes."

Since the last ball touched the ground in December at the NCAA regional, the Rainbow Wahine have been counting down the days to the 2002 season.

A strong spring highlighted by Kahumoku's return and a victory over defending national champion Stanford have only fueled Hawaii's desire to get the season under way.

Judging by the grins on their faces, not even the prospect of double-days could dampen their spirits. Granted, it's early, but it's not hard to understand the effervescent optimism.

"We have so many weapons," senior Margaret Vakasausau said. "The goal would be to get cohesive and combine into one huge unit to perform.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Lily Kahumoku, an All-American who is returning after a year off, lined up for a drill at yesterday's practice.

"Having Lily back is definitely going to add more to our game. And it was apparent in our Stanford match. We did well last year, but not good enough. We look forward to carrying ourselves to the final four."

Last August the buzz around Manoa was totally different. With players not showing up to camp, a relatively inexperienced squad struggled early before overachieving and reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

This year, Hawaii coach Dave Shoji's main problem will be where to fit everyone into the lineup and how to keep players happy with their playing time.

"We have depth at every position. Last year we didn't," Shoji said. "We had maybe one front-court sub for left and middle. This year we're pretty much three deep at every position.

"We have more talent certainly. It's different this year because we have two lefts who are used to getting the balls a lot. Kim got used to getting 50 percent of the sets last year. She won't get as many. Our right side is probably not going to get a majority of the sets, either."

Though individual numbers will probably fluctuate, the Wahine will be better balanced.

The coaches in the AVCA recognized that, as Hawaii was ranked fourth in the preseason poll. The Wahine received five first-place votes, second only to top-ranked Stanford. Shoji believes it was a judicious ranking.

"That's more accurate than the Volleyball Magazine poll," Shoji said. "SC is loaded with talent. Nebraska is loaded. They have a bunch of seniors. Those teams should be rated ahead of us."

Talent and depth have Shoji wishing for a tougher schedule this year.

Last season, Hawaii faced 14 NCAA tournament teams and several ranked opponents. The Wahine only have six ranked teams slated for this year's schedule.

"I kind of wish we had last year's schedule now, but we don't," Shoji said. "Hopefully we get off to a good start, because Ohio State is really good."

The Wahine open the season on Aug. 30 against the Buckeyes in the Hawaiian Airlines Classic.

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UH Athletics